Welcome! These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") outline the agreement between [Sarah McNeill of Cockermouth Pet Sitting], the pet sitting service provider ("Pet Sitter"), and you, the client ("Client"), regarding pet sitting services in the Cockermouth area. By using our services, you agree to these Terms.

1. Services Offered

The Pet Sitter provides a variety of pet sitting services, including (but not limited to):

• Dog Walking: Short walks during each visit. Note the Pet Sitter cannot offer walks over 20 minutes in duration.

• Feeding and Watering: The Pet Sitter will follow your instructions with regards to feeding your pet/s and topping up water. Details of your pet’s diet will be required in advance of booking.

• Playtime and Exercise: The Pet Sitter will provide play, cuddles, and company for your pets. To be discussed with you in advance.

• Medication Administration: The Pet Sitter is not a vet nurse. If the Client wishes the Pet Sitter to administer medication to their pet they will do so, but are not liable if something does go wrong, or the pet has a reaction to the medication.

• Home Visits: Pop-ins will be a minimum of 15-minutes at a time, up to 30 minutes per visit.

• Additional Services: The Pet Sitter can offer clean up services (litter boxes and garden clean up).

The Pet Sitter shall perform the Services in an attentive, reliable and caring manner, using all reasonable skill and care.

2. Booking and Payment

• Booking: Reservations can be made by phone or email. A confirmed booking requires a signed copy of these Terms.

• Payment: Full payment of Fees is due at least 2 days before the start of confirmed services. The Pet Sitter accepts cash and bank transfer (please ask for details).

• Overnight Stays and Stays over 24 hours: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking a stay of over 24 hours to secure your dates. The balance of the full stay cost is due 1 week prior to the start date.

• Late Payments: If the Client fails to pay the Fees on the due date, then the Pet Sitter has the right to cancel any previously agreed booking.

• Refunds: No refund will be given for early arrivals, holidays cut short or cancelling service early.

• Public and Bank Holidays: Note that these will be charged at double the advertised rate for services.

3. Cancellation Policy

• Client Cancellation for Pet Pop-Ins: The client agrees to give the Pet Sitter 48 hours’ notice minimum of each booking and 36 hours’ notice for a cancellation. Where cancellations are made after this time a small administration fee of £15 will be charged.

• Client Cancellation for Overnight/24hr stays or longer: As stated, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking a longer stay to secure Client dates. The balance of the full stay cost is due 1 week prior to the start date. If the balance is not received by the due date the Pet Sitter reserves the right to cancel the Client's booking and retain the deposit. If no payment is received then NO pet care services will take place.

• Pet Sitter Cancellation: In the unlikely event the Pet Sitter must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pet Sitter will provide a full refund of all fees.

4. Pet Requirements

• Vaccinations: All pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations as recommended by their vet. 

• General Health: The Client must ensure that their pet is in good health and free from fleas and is adequately wormed. If the Pet Sitter believes that the Client’s pet is not in good health they reserve the right to seek veterinary advice on their behalf and the Client will be liable for the veterinary fees.

• Temperament: The Pet Sitter reserves the right to refuse service to pets exhibiting aggressive behaviour.

• Meet and Greet: A free meet-and-greet consultation is required before services begin to discuss pet care routines and assess compatibility.

5. Pet Health and Emergencies

• Vet Information: Clients are required to provide contact information for their preferred vet and emergency clinic.

• Emergency Care: The Pet Sitter is authorised to seek emergency veterinary care for the pet if deemed necessary. The Client is responsible for all associated costs.

6. Client Responsibilities

• Pet Supplies: Clients are responsible for providing all food, water bowls, leads, medications, toys, and other pet supplies needed during the service period.

• Home Access: Clients will grant the Pet Sitter access to their home during scheduled visits. Clear instructions for entering the home will be provided.

• Pet Information: Clients will provide detailed information about their pet's feeding instructions, medication schedules, behaviour traits, and any other relevant details.

7. Pet Sitter Responsibilities

• Standard of Care: The Pet Sitter will provide all services with the utmost care and attention, following the Client's instructions.

• Communication: The Pet Sitter will communicate with the Client regularly during the service period, providing updates on the pet's well-being.

• Pet Safety: The Pet Sitter will take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety and security of the pet and the Client's property.

• Insurance: The Pet Sitter has valid public liability insurance, for the peace of mind of its Clients. 

• Pet Sitter Cancellation: In the unlikely event the Pet Sitter must cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, the Pet Sitter will provide a full refund of all fees.

8. Limitation of Liability

The Pet Sitter is not liable for any pre-existing medical conditions, injuries, or illnesses of the pet. The Client is responsible for any damage caused by their pet to the Client's property or the property of others. The Pet Sitter will not be liable for any theft of the Client’s dog/s. The Pet Sitter will not be liable for any injury/illness to the Client’s dog/s unless they can be shown to be negligent. The Pet Sitter cannot be held liable for any theft or damage to the Client’s property unless they can be shown to be negligent.

9. Insurance

All reasonable care is taken to ensure the integrity and suitability of the care provided. The insurance only covers the Sitter when working for the Client, for the duration of the selected service, and only for services arranged with the Client. It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that the property, its contents and pets are adequately insured throughout the duration of the assignment.  

10. Termination

These Terms may be terminated by either party at any time with written notice.

11. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

12. Entire Agreement

These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements.

13. Contact 

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact by telephoning 07917881209 or emailing cockermouthpetsitting@gmail.com.

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions.